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STRATEGIC PLAN

OCTOBER 1, 2005 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINSNATIONAL PARK

National Park ServiceU.S. Department of the Interior

Great Smoky Mountains National ParkTennessee and North Carolina

PREFACE

This five-year Strategic Plan has been written for one or more units of the greater National Park Systemadministered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. The National Park Systempreserves outstanding representations of America's natural, cultural, and recreational resources of nationalsignificance. These resources constitute a significant part of America's heritage, character, and future. TheNational Park Service not only directly and indirectly preserves these national treasures; it also makes themavailable to millions of visitors from throughout the country and the world every year.

This Strategic Plan was written to fulfill the requirements of Section 104 of the National Parks OmnibusManagement Act of 1998. This legislation requires all field units of the National Park System prepare StrategicPlans and Annual Performance Plans consistent with the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993and make these documents available to the public. The law was a catalyst for our staff to examine itsfundamental mission and to take a fresh, longer range view, in precise terms, of what results or outcomes weneeded to achieve to more effectively and efficiently accomplish that mission.

The Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) is one of the most recent and comprehensive of anumber of laws and executive orders directing federal agencies to join the "performance managementrevolution" already embraced by private industry and many local, state, and national governments.Performance management ensures that daily actions and expenditure of resources are guided by long- andshort-term goal setting in pursuit of accomplishing an organization's primary mission, followed by performancemeasurement and evaluation. Importantly, GPRA mandates that long-term and annual goals be results oroutcomes rather than outputs (activities, products, or services) and that they be "objective, quantifiable, andmeasurable" so that performance can be adequately measured and reported, and progress on missionaccomplishment assessed.

GRPA requires federal agencies to develop and use three primary documents in conducting their business.These documents are also to be submitted to the Congress and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB):

1. Strategic Plan of no less than five years duration, reviewed and revised every three years, and containing:* mission statement based in law, executive order, etc.;* long-term goals, which are objective, quantified, and measurable, to accomplish mission;* how goals will be accomplished, is the plan data and narrative showing "...operational processes, skills andtechnology, and the human, capital, information and other resources required to meet those goals...";* relationship of annual goals to long term goals, a description of how long term goals are carried out in annualgoal increments;* key external factors which could positively or negatively affect goal accomplishment; * GPRA also requires consultation with affected and interested parties in the development of the StrategicPlan, and it requires that the plan be* developed by federal employees (versus contractors, etc.).

2. Annual Performance Plan tiered off the Strategic Plan each year, showing how long term goals will beaccomplished in annual increments, and containing:* annual goals to incrementally achieve long-term goals in Strategic Plan;* annual work plan explaining how annual goals will be accomplished - "briefly describe the operationalprocesses, skills and technology, and the human, capital, information and other resources required to meet theperformance goals...." and* basis for measuring results - "...provide a basis for comparing actual program results with the establishedperformance goals...."

3. Annual Performance Report reviewing each year's successes and failures and identifying areas whereactivities or goals need to be revised in the future, addressing:* what annual goals were met or exceeded;

Results Act and Planning Cycle:

* what annual goals were not met;* why annual goals were not met; and* what remedial action will be taken for goals not met.

ABOUT THIS PLAN

In consultation with Congress, OMB and other interested parties, the National Park Service (NPS) developedits own GPRA implementation process. In 2004 the Department of the Interior (DOI) produced a Strategic Planrequiring all agencies in the Department to be aligned with. It is available on the Internet athttp://www.doi.gov/ppp/strat_plan_fy2003_2008.pdf.

Individual park plans address the long-term goals in the NPS and DOI plans that are appropriate to theindividual units as parts of the overall National Park System and its mission. Then they add goals specific totheir own legislative mandates, missions, resources, visitor services, and issues. The park plans, then, are ablend of national and local priorities and goals.

This Strategic Plan follows that pattern. It contains a mission statement born out of the NPS organic act as wellas the specific legislation or proclamation establishing the park. It contains mission goals, closely parallelingthe "servicewide" mission goals that illustrate in broad brushstroke what we do far beyond five years - "inperpetuity" - to accomplish our stated mission. It then contains long-term goals, which target in quantifiable,measurable ways what we will accomplish in the next four years toward achieving our overall mission goalsand mission. The long-term goals address both appropriate "servicewide" goals as well as park-specificoutcomes. The goal numbering protocol follows that of the NPS plan with park-specific suffixes. Since not allservicewide goals apply to every park, some numbers may be skipped. In addition, there are numberscontaining 0's which are not in the servicewide plan and indicate park-specific goals.

Each long-term goal is repeated with one or more explanatory paragraphs that give background, detail, andother information useful to help the reader understand the goal as well as to sketch in how the goal will beaccomplished. The figures in the tables and narrative for each goal contain any general information about "HowGoals will be Accomplished", including staffing, fiscal, infrastructure, and other resources available to achievethe plan's long-term goals. It should be noted that the goals in this plan are generally predicated on "flat budgets". Other than increases forinflation, we assumed no major increases in funding. Where increases in appropriations are known or arelikely, they were taken into account. Where other funding sources (donations, fee revenues, etc.) are"reasonably assured", they too are taken into consideration when setting performance targets. Obviously, limitson funding constrain what can be accomplished toward our goals and mission. GPRA, however, is distinctly notabout discussing budget shortfalls or requesting or justifying additional funding. Rather it is about planning,managing, and communicating what we can accomplish with the resources we already have while at the same,providing accountability for those resources.

Each year that the Strategic Plan is in effect, there will be a companion Annual Performance Plan which showsin annual goals, that year's targeted incremental achievement of each long-term goal, and a work plan foraccomplishing that increment. Each year there will also be an Annual Performance Report discussing actualachievement of the prior year's annual goals and progress on long-term goals.

Copies of this Strategic Plan can be requested from the superintendent. Questions and comments arewelcome and encouraged and can be addressed to the superintendent. Copies of the most current AnnualPerformance Plan and Annual Performance Report are also available on request, with questions andcomments equally welcome.

Introduction

Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established by Congress on June 15, 1934, and has become themost visited of all national parks. Situated within a day's drive of over half of the population of the UnitedStates, the park provides for public benefit from and enjoyment of its resources by over 9 million visitors eachyear in such a way as to leave them basically unaltered by modern human influences. The Park's 800 squaremiles are almost equally divided between eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is world renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal resources, thebeauty of its ancient mountains, the quality of its remnants of American early settlement culture, and the extentand integrity of the wilderness sanctuary within its boundaries. The Park preserves 160 historic buildings andstructures and maintains over 800 miles of trails including a section of the Appalachian Trail with elevationsranging from 800 feet to 6,642 feet at Clingman's Dome. Residing in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, thePark is one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world and contains the richest flora and fauna of anytemperate area of comparable size anywhere on earth. This is evident in the Park's status as the core unit ofone of America's few International Biosphere Reserves and its designation as a World Heritage Site in 1983.

Foremost of all the challenges facing Great Smoky Mountains National Park are the impacts to the naturalenvironment. Air pollution is dramatically shrinking scenic views, damaging plants, and degrading highelevation streams and soils. Human health is at risk from ozone pollution. Non-native insects and invasivespecies threaten forest health. On an operational level, the Park is dealing with the cumulative effect of yearsof absorbing fixed cost increases and across the board reductions without a significant base budget increase.

In recent years, the Park has seen extraordinary success in revenue enhancement through partnerships andsupport from gateway and adjacent communities. Annual contributions now exceed $3 million in funds andvolunteer services. Partnerships support numerous programs in science, education, and resourcemanagement; however, major shortfalls still exist. Budget shortfalls and reductions in staff have forced thepark to consider which of its core functions are the most necessary. As the Park has increased its reliance onnon-base, non-recurring funding to pay for its daily operations, Park management has been forced to cut backand rely heavily on project funding to maintain their basic level of function.

The Park has several long-term investments currently underway such as the building of a Science Center,conversion of the Park's radio system, and three Environmental Impact Statements that will amend the Park'sGeneral Management Plan.

Mission of National Park Service at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The mission of the National Park Service at Great Smoky Mountains National Park is rooted in and grows fromthe Park's legislative mandate found in the Act of Congress dated May 22, 1926, which states that GreatSmoky Mountains National Park is "for the benefit and enjoyment of the people." The Park's purpose is "topreserve exceptionally diverse resources and to provide for public benefit from and enjoyment of thoseresources in ways which will leave them basically unaltered by human influences." Our mission statement is asynthesis of this mandated purpose and the Park's primary significance as itemized below.

The mission of the National Park Service is to preserve the exceptionally diverse resources of Great SmokyMountains National Park and "to provide for the enjoyment of these resources in such manner as will leavethem unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."

Legislative Intent

Park Background Information:

The enabling legislation for the park states "The tract of land in the Great Smoky Mountains in the States ofNorth Carolina and Tennessee being approximately seven hundred and four thousand acres, recommended bythe Secretary of the Interior in his report of April 14, 1926, which area . . . shall be known as the Great SmokyMountains National Park: Provided, that the United States shall not purchase by appropriation of public moneysany land within the aforesaid areas, but that such lands shall be secured by the United States only by public orprivate donation. . . ."

Purpose

The purpose of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is to preserve its exceptionally diverse natural andcultural resources, and to provide for public benefit from and enjoyment of those resources in ways that willleave them basically unaltered by modern human influences.

Significance

The primary significance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park can be summarized as:

- the extraordinary diversity and abundance of its plants and animals,- the beauty of its mountain terrain and waterways.- the quality of its remnants of pioneer culture, and- the sanctuary it affords to those resources and for its modern human users.

Key External Factors Affecting Plan's Accomplishment

In developing Great Smoky Mountains National Park's Strategic Plan and its long-term goals, it was importantto take into consideration key external factors that could negatively or positively affect goal outcomes. A few ofthe most important or most likely are identified briefly below. This is by no means an exhaustive list but simplythose that are most likely to influence outcomes as viewed at the time of writing the plan.

- Heavy Visitation. Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park in America. Visitation hasincreased during the shoulder season (months before and after summer), during the evening hours and incertain areas which were historically less visited but are now popular with tourists such as Cataloochee Valleysince the reintroduction of elk in the area. The heavy visitation level mandates that additional resources bedevoted to road and backcountry patrol as well as intensive maintenance of public facilities.

- Air/Ozone Pollution. The effects of pollution include plant damage, dramatically shrinking scenic views,degradation of high elevation streams and soils, and risk to human health.

- Non-native Insects and Exotic Species. Overall forest health is threatened, and fraser firs and hemlocks maydisappear from the Park if these issues are not addressed.

- Budget Issues. The Park is dealing with the cumulative effect of years of absorbing fixed cost increases andacross-the-board reductions. This resulted in 19 essential positions going unfilled in 2004, which means fewereducational programs, facilities that are cleaned less often, grounds maintained on extended cycles, ineffectivemonitoring of archeological sites and insufficient curatorial storage. Additionally, the funding shortfall hasresulted in a serious backlog in repair and rehabilitation of Park structures. Major Park programs have beenforced to cut back and rely heavily on project funding to maintain their basic levels of operation.

- Long-Term Investments. The building of a Science Center is in the advanced stages of planning. The radiosystem conversion required by the Federal Communications Commission is an additional mandated strain onthe budget. Several natural and cultural areas within the Park including the North Shore Road, Cades Cove,and Elkmont Historic District have major planning efforts underway that require careful analysis, field surveys,research and community discussions in order to achieve environmentally-sound decisions.

- Partnerships. The Park has initiated numerous partnerships with such groups as the Great Smoky MountainsAssociation, Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont,Smoky Mountain Field School at the University of Tennessee, Discover Life in America, and numerous lawenforcement partnerships with the surrounding counties and gateway communities. Each of thesepartnerships strengthen the Park and its ability to perform its mission. Through these partnerships, we areable to better ensure visitor safety and to provide additional services and funding for the Park.

- Volunteer Program. The Park's volunteer program has grown 84% since its reorganization in the fall of 1995and is the largest in the Southeast Region of National Park Service. Volunteers help with resourcemanagement, provide resource education and interpretation, serve as campground hosts, assist in Parkmaintenance, and aid in resource and visitor protection. In FY 2003, 1,908 volunteers donated 95,585 hours ofservice which was valued at $1.6 million to the Park. In addition to the volunteer hours reported by the Park,Great Smoky Mountains National Park receives volunteer services from the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club AT,the Ridgerunner/Caretaker programs, and GSM Institute at Tremont. The volunteer total also does not includenumerous hours by Friends of the Smokies or Great Smoky Mountains Association volunteers.

- All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI). The ATBI is a program to inventory all of the approximately 100,000species located in the Great Smoky Mountains. Conceived in 1997 and run by the non-profit organization,Discover Life in America (DLIA), the ATBI initiative is expected to last 15 to 20 years and will enhance thescientific knowledge of the Park for the benefit of current and future generations. In fact, we have alreadyincreased our knowledge of the park by almost 40%. Funding for this program is almost totally non-federal.

Consultation in Plan Preparation

GPRA requires that Congress, OMB, and other interested and affected parties be consulted in thedevelopment of Strategic Plans. Congress and OMB, as well as the Department of the Interior, wereextensively consulted in the development of the DOI and NPS Service-wide plan. In the development of GreatSmoky Mountains National Park's local Strategic Plan, the Park relied internal existing plans such as the Park'sResource Management Plan, its Fire Management Plan, the General Management Plan, variousEnvironmental Impact Statements currently underway, previous strategic plans, and its ongoing, significantrelationship with its partners.

Strategic Plan Preparers

The following Park staff members were intimately and extensively involved in preparing this strategic plan:

Dale Ditmanson, SuperintendentPhil Francis, Assistant SuperintendentDonna Losson, Chief of AdministrationShawn Benge, Chief of MaintenanceCathy Cook, Chief of Resource EducationLarry Hartmann, Chief of Resource Management and ScienceJim Northup, Chief of Resource and Visitor ProtectionLee Jewell, Budget AnalystJill Click, Secretary - Resource EducationJanice Pelton, Secretary - Resource ManagementImelda Wegwerth, Landscape ArchitectJoel Ossoff, Concessions Management SpecialistKeith Langdon, Supervisory BiologistKristine Johnson, Supervisory ForesterJames Renfro, Physical ScientistJanet Rock, Botanist

Erik Kreusch, ArcheologistMatthew Kulp, Fishery BiologistAdriean Mayor, Museum CuratorWilliam Stiver, Wildlife BiologistTerri Wales, Human Resources Specialist and GPRA Coordinator

Strategic Plan Report, FY 2005-2008

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NPPark/ Program Name:

5460Park/ Program Org Code:

DOI Goal ID Number: Iao10Park/ Program Goal ID Number:

Wilderness areas: TBD Percent of acres of designated wilderness achieving wilderness character objectives as specified by statute

NPS Servicewide Goal Description (Mission or Long-term Goal text):

By September 30, 2008, 362910 acres (93%) of recommended wilderness will meet wilderness character objectives.

Long-term Goal Performance Target (Park/ Program Long-term Goal text; adjust date for end of current strategic planning period):

2008

TargetYear:

Objectives

Performance Indicator(what is measured):

Each wilderness

Unit Measure:

Met

Condition (Desired):

390500

Total # Units inBaseline:

335100

Status in BaseYear (# Meeting

Condition):

GRSM will continue to monitor and document visitor and management activities in wilderness and implement the minimum requirements process for allrecommended wilderness in the park. An active patrol presence will be maintained in wilderness in order to detect inconsistencies with wildernessrequirements, policies and law. The Backcountry Management Specialist will actively coordinate with the Resource Education division to keep parkpublications and displays current with wilderness education needs, with the Maintenance Division to ensure trails maintenance is in conformance withminimum requirements for wilderness values and character, and with the Resource Management and Science staff to ensure all work conforms to theminimum requirements policy. The Backcountry Management Specialist will conduct a wilderness values and minimum requirements training session forpark staff semi-annually. GRSM will monitor backcountry campsites for unacceptable resource changes through a volunteer program.

Date Last Updated: December 10, 2004

Ia010NPS Goal ID Number:

5-Year Results Plan:




DOI Goal ID Number: Ia01DPark/ Program Goal ID Number:

Closely Associated riparian goal


By September 30, 2008, 0 of 2,128 miles (0%) of GRSM's riparian resources have been inventoried and current and desiredconditions identified.


2008

TargetYear:

Park Must Determine


Acres

Unit Measure:

Park Must Deterimine


2128


0


Condition):

We have no resources or work plans to address this goal at this time.

Date Last Updated: January 11, 2005

Ia01DNPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: Ia07Park/ Program Goal ID Number:

Other Cultural Landscapes


By September 30, 2008, 11 of 13 (85%) of Great Smoky Mountains National Park cultural landscapes not listed on the currentCultural Landscapes Inventory are in good condition.


2008

TargetYear:

Condition


Each landscape

Unit Measure:

Good


13


11


Condition):

All 13 cultural landscapes in the baseline are located at Cades Cove. The Cades Cove Development Concept and Transportation Management Plan(Environmental Impact Statement) is currently underway and is not due to be complete until fiscal year 2008. Until that plan is completed, it is anticipatedthat no efforts will be made to improve the two Cades Cove cultural landscapes that are currently in fair condition. The Park will continue routinemaintenance to keep the Cades Cove Valley Floor and the Elijah Oliver Homestead in their current condition of fair. The Park will also continue toperform routine maintenance on the other 11 Cades Cove cultural landscapes rated in good condition, so as to keep them in such condition.







DOI Goal ID Number: Ia1BPark/ Program Goal ID Number:

Invasive species: 250,000 acres (9.6% of 2.6 million) of acres infested with invasive plant species are contained.


By September 30, 2008, 560 acres (57% of 988 acres) of (GRSM) lands impacted by invasive (non-native) plants areeffectively controlled.


2008

TargetYear:

Impacted Lands


acres

Unit Measure:

Contained


988


460


Condition):

Fifty species of invasive exotic plants will be managed at a total of 820 documented sites throughout the park. Treatments will be based on the park'sIntegrated Pest Management plan. New sites will be identified and documented and inactive sites will be monitored. Depending on available funds weexpect to to control a total of 57% of impacted lands by September of 2008. In base year 460 out of a total of 988 impacted acres were under control.Each year we plan to control 25 acres.


Ia1BNPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: Ia2APark/ Program Goal ID Number:

448 (43% of 1,042) threatened or endangered species are stabilized or improved.


By Sep. 30, 2008, 7 (50% of 14) of GRSM's documented federally listed threatened or endangered species are makingprogress towards recovery.


2008

TargetYear:

Status


Each species

Unit Measure:

Improving


14


2


Condition):

By Sep. 30, 2008, 7 (50% of 14) of GRSM's documented federally listed threatened or endangered species are making progress towards recovery. 3plant species, 4 fish species, and 7 animals (birds, mammals, and a spider) are included in the total (14).


Ia2ANPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: Ia2BPark/ Program Goal ID Number:

5,431 (70% of 7,759) species of management concern that are managed to self-sustaining levels, in cooperation with affected States and others, asdefined in approved management documents


By Sep. 30, 2008, 8 (25% of 32) species of GRSM populations of native plant and animal Species of Management Concernare managed to self-sustaining levels.


2008

TargetYear:

Management status


Each species

Unit Measure:

Desired level


32


2


Condition):

By Sep. 30, 2008, 8 of 32 species of GRSM populations of native plant and animal Species of Management Concern are managed to self-sustaininglevels. 2 fish species, 2 animals, and 28 plant species are included in the total. (SOMC Database)


Ia2BNPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: Ia2CPark/ Program Goal ID Number:

X (4% of ZZ) of invasive animal populations are controlled.


By September 30, 2008, 1 (9% of 11) of GRSM invasive (non-native) animal and insect populations have been effectivelycontrolled.


2008

TargetYear:

Species status


Each population

Unit Measure:

Contained


11


11


Condition):

Although there are several non-native animal and insect populations in GRSM, we have identified 11 which are "invasive"; these include European wildhogs, feral cats, balsam woolly adelgid, hemlock woolly adelgid, beech bark scale, fire ants, gypsy moth, Chinese jumping worm, Asian tiger mosquito,rainbow trout, and European starling. From 2004 through 2008, we plan to remove 1,050 wild hogs, treat 3,000 acres for hemlock woolly adelgidinfestation, repeatedly treat 5 acres for balsam woolly adelgid infestation and remove rainbow trout from 1.5 miles of stream. Fire ants will be treated asnests are found. Although we are working diligently on several invasive populations, we plan to "effectively control" one population.


Ia2CNPS Goal ID Number:






Air quality in 70% of NPS reporting park areas has remained stable or improved


By September 30, 2008, air quality in GRSM has remained stable or improved.


2008

TargetYear:

Park air quality


percent

Unit Measure:

Improved or stable

Condition (Desired):Total # Units in

Baseline:


Condition):

Air quality monitoring efforts at GRSM will be maintained and supported to collect valid data to allow the NPS-Air Resources Division meet theirServicewide goal of showing improvement over the next 5 years. Air quality-related research is conducted specifically to relate data collected to resourcecondition.







DOI Goal ID Number: Ia4APark/ Program Goal ID Number:

Water quality: Surface waters -130,381miles of streams and rivers ( 99.3% of 131,300 miles) meet State (EPA approved) water quality standards.


By September 30, 2008, GRSM streams will continue to meet or exceed all state and federal water quality standards in 99.3%(2,085 miles) of the 2,100 miles of streams and rivers managed by GRSM.


2008

TargetYear:

Water quality


Miles and/or acres

Unit Measure:

Unimpaired


2100


2095


Condition):

We will collect water quality samples from 32 sites in 6 watersheds bi-monthly and 11 sites in one watershed bi-annually from 2004 through 2008. Eachsample will be analyzed for anions, cations, metals, and other basic water quality constituents to ensure that GRSM streams meet or exceed all state andfederal water quality standards. All collection sites are co-located with fish and aquatic macroinvertebrate monitoring sites in order to identify causaltrends in the aquatic ecosystem.


Ia4ANPS Goal ID Number:






47% of historic structures on the current List of Classified Structures are in good condition


By September 30, 2008, 118 of 194 (61%) of Great Smoky Mountains National Park historic structures on the current List ofClassified Structures are in good condition.


2008

TargetYear:

Condition


Each structure

Unit Measure:

Good


197


114


Condition):

The Park will repair/rehabilitate one historic structure each fiscal year to bring it into good condition. In addition, the Park will continue to perform work onmany of the 114 structures listed on the LCS to be in "good condition". Many of these structures have been ranked in "fair or poor condition" asmeasured by the Facility Condition Index in FMSS.








75.5% of preservation and protection standards are met for park museum collections .


By September 30, 2008, 305 (75.5%) of 404 applicable preservation and protection standards for GRSM's museum collectionsare met.


2008

TargetYear:

Applicable standards


Each standard

Unit Measure:

Standards meet


404


293


Condition):

GRSM will increase the number of museum preservation and protection standards met from 293 in FY 2004 to 305 in FY 2008.








33% of the cultural landscapes on the current Cultural Landscapes Inventory are in good condition


By September 30, 2008, 0 of 1 (0%) of Great Smoky Mountains National Park cultural landscapes on the current CulturalLandscapes Inventory are in good condition.


2008

TargetYear:

Condition


Each landscape

Unit Measure:

Good


1


0


Condition):

Park operations currently conducted/housed at the Voorheis Estate will change over the next five years when the new Science Center is completed. Thiswill allow the Park to develop a plan for removing non-contributing features and restoring vegetation patterns so that the condition of the culturallandscape may be improved to good based on the CLI criteria. It is not anticpiated that any efforts to improve its current condition will take place untilafter fiscal year 2008. The Park will continue to perform routine maintenance on the Voorheis Estate to keep it in fair condition.








50% of the recorded archeological sites with condition assessments are in good condition


By September 30, 2008, 41 (100% of 41) of GRSM archeological sites listed on the current Archeological Sites ManagementInformation System (ASMIS) with condition assessments, are in good condition.


2008

TargetYear:

Condition


Each archeological site

Unit Measure:

Good


41


40


Condition):

By September 30, 2008, 100% (41 of 41) of the recorded archaeological sites with condition assessments are in good condition. Acheivement of thepresent goal will be acheived through public education, erosion control, and limiting visitor activities on known archaeological sites.The current status ofthe registry of condition assessments within the recorded sites in the park's ASMIS database is sporadic. To date, only 41 sites of the 273 listed sites inthe park's ASMIS database have completed condition assessments. The reasons for this discrepancy in the incomplete condition assessment data fieldin ASMIS is due to putting previously recorded sites, prior to the establishement of protocols for recording of site features such as condition assessments, into the current database. Presently, 40 ASMIS sites are listed as being in "good" condition. One is listed in "fair" condition. The other 232 sites have notbeen assessed. The GRSM will attempt will evaluate conditions on 10 previously unassessed archaeological sites a year and enter the conditionassessments into ASMIS.







DOI Goal ID Number: Ib01Park/ Program Goal ID Number:

Other NR data sets


By September 30, 2008, all basic (12 primary categories) GRSM natural resource inventories identified in a ResourceManagement Plan and General Management Plan are completed, including soil mapping and vegetation mapping.


2008

TargetYear:

Performance Indicator(what is measured): Unit Measure: Condition (Desired):

12


0


Condition):

Five Year Plan of Work and ResultsAll primary (12 basic inventories) will be complete by Sept. 30, 2008. This includes soil mapping and vegetation mapping.


Ib01NPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: Ib2C.2Park/ Program Goal ID Number:

Other


By September 30, 200X, the number of (name of unit) historic structures inventoried (but not to required standards) isincreased by X to Y (Z%) from FY 2003.


2008

TargetYear:

Number updated


Each record

Unit Measure:

Increased


0


0


Condition):

Five Year Plan of Work and Results


Ib02CNPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: Ib2APark/ Program Goal ID Number:

Archeological sites inventoried and evaluated are increased by 14.3% (from FY 2003 baseline of 57,752 sites to 66,000).


By September 30, 2008, the number of GRSM archeological sites inventoried, evaluated and listed in the Archeological SitesManagement Information System (ASMIS) is increased from 273 in FY04 to 313 (14% increase).


2008

TargetYear:

Number in database


Each site added

Unit Measure:

Increased


273


273


Condition):

GRSM will conduct archaeological identification and evaluation studies of sites as a result of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act(NHPA) activities. These studies will evaluate archaeological sites for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places and identify potential "adverseeffects" to archaeological sites as a result of any federal undertaking.

The current status of the registry of condition assessments within the recorded sites in the park's ASMIS database is sporadic. To date, only 41 sites ofthe 273 listed sites in the park's ASMIS database have completed condition assessments. The reasons for this discrepancy in the incomplete conditionassessment data field in ASMIS is due to putting previously recorded sites, prior to the establishement of protocols for recording of site features such ascondition assessments, into the current database. Presently, 40 ASMIS sites are listed as being in "good" condition. One is listed in "fair" condition. Theother 232 sites have not been assessed. The GRSM will attempt to evaluate conditions on 10 previously unassessed archaeological sites a year andenter the condition assessments into ASMIS.


Ib2ANPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: 1b2BPark/ Program Goal ID Number:

Cultural landscapes on the Cultural Landscapes Inventory that have complete, accurate and reliable information are increased by 110.8% from FY 2003(from 148 to 312 landscapes).


As of September 30, 2008, the GRSM cultural landscapes on the Cultural Landscapes Inventory that have complete, accurate,and reliable information is increased by 100% from FY2003 (From 1 to 2 landscapes)


2008

TargetYear:

Number in database


Each landscape

Unit Measure:

Increase


1


1


Condition):

As of 2004, 1 landscape is listed in the CLI. By September of 2008, GRSM will evaluate at least one additional area for inclusion in the CLI. Incoordiantion with the Regional CLI Coordinator, the landscape will be added to the CLI providing complete, accurate, and reliable information.


Ib2BNPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: NONEPark/ Program Goal ID Number:

100% of the historic structures on the FY 2003 List of Classified Structures have complete, accurate and reliable information (26,531 of 26,531structures).


By September 30, 2008, 197 of 197 (100%) structures on GRSM's List of Classified Structures will have accurate, complete,and reliable information. In early 1994, the District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, with 49 of the 74structures listed as contributing to the character of Elkmont. By September 30, 2008, these 49 historic structures will be addedto the FY 2007 List of Classified Structures and 100% of these structures will have complete, accurate and reliable information.


2008

TargetYear:

Number updated


Each record

Unit Measure:

Increased


197


197


Condition):

Currently, 197 structures are listed on GRSM's LCS list. These structures have accurate, complete, and reliable data. In 1998, an assessment of theLCS was conducted in coordination and collaboration between GRSM and the Regional LCS Coordinator. The Park's LCS information is scheduled foran assessment by the Regional LCS Coordinator in 2006. GRSM is conductiing and will continue to conduct identification and evaluation of the conditionof historic structures as a result of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) planningas it relates to the Elkmont Historic District. These studies will provide complete, up-to-date, accurate, and reliable information to the Regional LCScoordinator for inclusion of 49 additional records in the Park's LCS.


Ib2CNPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: 1b2DPark/ Program Goal ID Number:

Museum objects cataloged are increased by 39.6% (from FY 2001 baseline of 42.4 million to 59.2 million). Percent increase in NPS museum objectscataloged


By September 30, 2008, the number of GRSM museum objects cataloged and submitted to the National Catalog is increasedfrom 395852 in FY2004 to 447852 (13.1% increase).


2008

TargetYear:

Number of museum objectscataloged


Each museum object added

Unit Measure:

Increased


156772


395852


Condition):

GRSM museum personnel will catalog 10,000-Cultural and 3,000-Natural objects each year for FY2005 through FY2008.


Ib2DNPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: Ib2EPark/ Program Goal ID Number:

Ethnographic resources inventory is increased 117.7% (from FY 2001 baseline of 929 to 2,022).


By September 30, 2008, the number of GRSM ethnographic resources inventoried, evaluated, and entered on the NPSEthnographic Resources Inventory (ERI) is increased from 0 in FY2001 to 4 (400% increase).


2008

TargetYear:

Number of records


Each record

Unit Measure:

Increased


0


0


Condition):

GRSM will gather ethnographic interviews, photos, and other documents from previous pre-park residents and their descendants. This information will beused to develop ethnograhic and ethnohistorical life histories of select areas of the park. In combination, this work will used to develop an ethnographicoverview and assessment of the GRSM and identify "traditionally associated" people(s). This information will be entered into the Ethnographic ResourcesInventory (ERI). Ethnographic studies will be undertaken as part of larger planning porcesses for the North Shore Road Project ann the Cades CoveOpportunities Plan.


Ib2ENPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: Ib2FPark/ Program Goal ID Number:

18.7% (72 of 384) of parks have historical research (an approved Historic Resource Study AND an approved Administrative History) that is current andcompleted to professional standards as of 1985.


By September 30, 2008, GRSM's Historic Resource Study (HRS) and Administrative History are not completed to professionalstandards.


2008

TargetYear:

Studies


Each park

Unit Measure:

Updated


0


0


Condition):

No staff and/or funding is available at this time to undertake a Historic Resource Study and Adminstrative History of the GRSM. As staff and fundingbecome available, GRSM will complete historic overview of the adminstrative history and development of the Park.Complete 2 new National Registernominations to professional standards.


Ib2FNPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: Ib3BPark/ Program Goal ID Number:

88% of 270 parks with significant natural resources have implemented natural resource monitoring of key vital signs parameters


By Sep.30, 2008, GRSM has implemented natural resource monitoring of key vital signs parameters.


2008

TargetYear:

Vital signs


Each park

Unit Measure:

Monitoring


1



Condition):

By Sep. 30, 2008 GRSM has implemented natural resource monitoring of key vital signs parameters.


Ib3BNPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: Ib5Park/ Program Goal ID Number:

TBD Percent of the 75 park units with wilderness/backcountry resources that have approved plans that address the management of those resources


GRSM has an approved plan that addresses the management of backcountry resources.


2008

TargetYear:

Wilderness plan


Each wilderness

Unit Measure:

Approved


Baseline:


Condition):

Date Last Updated:

Ib5NPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: IIa1APark/ Program Goal ID Number:

95% of park visitors are satisfied with appropriate park facilities, services, and recreational opportunities.


By September 30, 2008, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will continue to meet or exceed the NPS Servicewide goal of95% visitor safisfaction with appropriate park facilities, services, and recreational opportunities.


2008

TargetYear:

Visitor satisfaction


percent

Unit Measure:

Satisfied


97



Condition):

The Resource Education Division will continue to provide education programs and orientation through both personal and non-personal interpretiveservices to visitors through:

- Formal and informal ranger/volunteer programs both on-site and off-site, - Three visitor centers receiving about 2.5 million visits a year, - One visitor center interpretive film, - Six Park information radio stations, - 77 roadside exhibits and interior exhibits at two visitor centers - 47 bulletin boards, - 13 self-guided nature trails or sites, - publications and productions (including a free Park map/brochure, free info folders, free Park Trip Planner, Park newspaper, booklets, folios,books, videos, and other sales items - Park Website receiving over 200,000 visits per month.

External partnerships with the cities of Townsend, Gatlinburg, and Sevier County in Tennessee include liaisons with their welcome center personnel tooffer a Park Service presence and/or appropriate information at welcome centers.

The Maintenance Division will continue to provide operational maintenance to all facility assets that support visitor use and enjoyment.

Park recreational facilities include but are not limited to the following: 384 miles of roads with associated parking areas and pulloffs, 169 bridges, 5tunnels, over 800 miles of trails, 100 backcountry campsites and shelters, 1,000 front country campsites in 10 campgrounds, 11 picnic grounds, 3 visitor


IIa1ANPS Goal ID Number:





centers, 72 comfort stations, 8 pit/vault toilets, 194 historic structures, 5 amphitheaters, 5 horse camps, 143 cemeteries, 4 wastewater treatment plants,22 water systems, and 41 maintained landscapes.

Maintenance of the park recreational facilities includes but is not limited to the following: road maintenance, road rehabilitation projects, drainagemaintenance, road striping, mowing, brushing, vista clearing, sign maintenance, litter pickup, trail maintenance, cemetery maintenance, hazard treeremoval, campsite maintenance, building maintenance, snow and ice removal, utility system maintenance, and solid waste disposal.

The Division of Resource and Visitor Protection will continue and enhance a comprehensive program of visitor services including providing basic parkinformation and resource education, providing visitor assistance, performing law enforcement, emergency medical services, search and rescue, wildlandfirefighting, and operation of the Park Communication Center. Our efforts will include:-providing a front-line uniformed ranger presence throughout the park, for the purposes of providing visitor information and services, resource educationand crime deterrence- enforcing laws and regulations focused on resource protection and public safety- conducting criminal and administrative investigations- providing emergency medical services- conducting search and rescue operations for lost and injured persons- managing wildland fires in conjunction with the Division of Science and Resource Management- operating the park's campground visitor service and fee collection programs, and management of the campground reservation system within the park- management of the park's backcountry visitor use, NPS and cooperator operations- management of the park-wide volunteer program- management of various land protection issues within the park- management of First Amendment and other special use permit activities- management of large scale emergencies and special events- management and operation of the park's Communication Center





DOI Goal ID Number: IIa1BPark/ Program Goal ID Number:

79% of park visitors are satisfied with commercial services in the parks.


By September 30, 2008, GRSM will meet or exceed the NPS Servicewide goal of 79% park visitor satisfaction with commercialservices in the park (as measured by VCS card)


2008

TargetYear:

Visitor satisfaction


percent

Unit Measure:

Satisfied


86



Condition):

New concession contracts will be developed for seven concession operations that are currently operating under extensions. New contracts will includecontract terms and operating and maintenance plans that will require improvements in the type and quality of services offered. The contract languageimprovements,and associated opportunity for closer oversight of concession operations, are expected to lead to the projected increase in visitorsatisfaction with commercial services. Operating and maintenance plans for current concession contracts will be updated as necessary to assure a highlevel of service by concessioners.


IIa1BNPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: IIa2APark/ Program Goal ID Number:

The number of visitor accident/incidents will be at or below 4,969 accidents/incidents.


By September 30, 2008, the number of visitor accidents/incidents at GRSM is remains at or below the FY2001-FY2004 annualaverage of 198.


2008

TargetYear:

Accidents/incidents


Each accident/incident

Unit Measure:

Reduced


198



Condition):

The Division of Resource and Visitor Protection will continue and enhance a proactive program of visitor education and enforcement, designed to preventvisitor accidents/incidents. Division personnel will actively contribute in providing basic visitor services, resource education, and preventing violations ofpark regulations and visitor accident/incidents.


IIa2ANPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: IIa2BPark/ Program Goal ID Number:

The number of servicewide visitor fatalities will be at or below 100 (an 11% decrease from the FY2000 - FY2001 baseline of 112).


By September 30, 2008, the visitor fatalities at GRSM is reduced from the FY 2000 - FY 2003 annual average of 6 to 5.


2008

TargetYear:

Fatalities


Each fatality

Unit Measure:

Reduced


6



Condition):

GRSM will continue and enhance a proactive program of visitor education and enforcement, designed to prevent visitor fatalities. We will provide basicvisitor services, resource education, and prevention of violations of park regulations and visitor fatalities.


IIa2BNPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: IIb1Park/ Program Goal ID Number:

87% of visitors understand and appreciate the significance of the park they are visiting


By September 30, 2008, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will continue to meet or exceed the NPS Servicewide goal ofan 87% rate of visitor understanding of the significance of the park


2008

TargetYear:

Visitor understanding


percent

Unit Measure:

Understand


88


0


Condition):

The Division will continue to develop appropriate exhibits, waysides, films, web-content, printed materials and educational programs to provide visitorunderstanding and serve our year-round visitation. Interpretive and educational services for visitors and the general public are provided through: - Three visitor centers staffed with Rangers and VIP, - Six campgrounds with ranger and VIP led programming, - Over 125 different ranger-led walks, talks, and programs, - Thirteen self-guided nature/history trails, - One all-access self-guided interpretive trail, - Three motor nature trails, - The Mountain Farm Museum (a living history museum with seasonal demonstrations and special events), - Seven special events to interpret the cultural and historic heritage of the area. These events serve visitors at various times of the year depending ontheme.

Partnership with Pi Beta Phi Elementary School to refine an educational program for nine levels of instruction will continue and will continue to include aParks-as-Classrooms coordinator. The design of the PAC curriculum will be completed.

The Division will continue to develop and update publications and programming pertaining to current issues such as HWA awareness, the ATBI, andexotic control. Emphasis will also be placed on developing cultural resource education awareness with added emphasis on Cades Cove. The Park web-site will continue to be improved and revised.


IIb1NPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: IVa10APark/ Program Goal ID Number:

X(TBD) (Y% of Z) of NPS heritage assets are in fair or good condition as measured by the FCI.


By September 30, 2008, 51% (36 of 71) of Great Smoky Mountains National Park heritage assets are in fair or good conditionas measured by the FCI.


2008

TargetYear:

Condition of asset


Each asset

Unit Measure:

Fair or good


71


32


Condition):

The Park will improve the condition of one heritage asset each year to bring it up to a fair or good condition as measured by the FCI.


IVa10ANPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: IVa10BPark/ Program Goal ID Number:

NPS Non-historic buildings condition


By September 30, 2008, 160 of 207 (77%) of Great Smoky Mountains National Park non-historic buildings are in fair or goodcondition as mesured by the FCI.


2008

TargetYear:

Condition of asset


Each asset

Unit Measure:

Fair or good


207


148


Condition):

The Park will improve the condition of three non-historic buildings per fiscal year to bring them into fair or good condition as measured by the FCI.


IVa10BNPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: IVa10CPark/ Program Goal ID Number:

X (TBD) (Y% of Z) NPS other assets are in fair to good condition as measured by the FCI.


By September 30, 2008, 38 (16% of 245) other assets are in fair to good condition as measured by the FCI at (name of park).


2008

TargetYear:

Condition of asset


Each asset

Unit Measure:

Fair or good


245


30


Condition):

The Park will improve the condition of two other facilities (non-historic) each year to bring them into good or fair condition as measured by the FCI.


IVa10CNPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: IVa3Park/ Program Goal ID Number:

100% of NPS employees have performance plans linked to appropriate park (office) strategic goals and annual goals


By September 30, 2008, 100% of GRSM employee performance plans are linked to appropriate strategic and annualperformance goals and position competencies.


2008

TargetYear:

Employee performance plans


Each employee

Unit Measure:

Linked to goals


332


96


Condition):

The Personnel Office will review employee performance plans to ensure that they reflect the strategic plan, annual performance results, andcompetencies required for the position. All GRSM employees will have performance plans which incorporate strategic plan and annual performanceresults. Additionally, all employees' performance plans will reflect the position competencies required for that position.

Date Last Updated: November 22, 2004

IVa3NPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: IVa5Park/ Program Goal ID Number:

25% of employee housing units are in fair or good condition as measured by the Facilities Condition Index (FCI), based on condition assessments anddata in FMSS.


By September 30, 2008, 86% (44 of 51) employee housing units are in fair or good condition as measured by the FCI at GreatSmoky Mountains National Park.


2008

TargetYear:

Employee housing


Each housing unit

Unit Measure:

Fair or Good


46


40


Condition):

Each year the Park will repair/rehabilitate one employee housing unit to fair or good condition as measured by the FCI.


IVa5NPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: IVa6APark/ Program Goal ID Number:

The NPS rolling 5-year (previous 5 years) average number of employee accidents will be at or below 3,000.


By September 30, 2008, the number of GRSM lost-time injuries is reduced from the previous 5-year annual average number of13 to 11. Actual number of employee fatalities will be reported.


2008

TargetYear:

Incidents


Each incident resulting ininjury

Unit Measure:

Reduced


13


13


Condition):

GRSM will provide ongoing safety training, provide all needed personal protective equipment, share information regarding workplace safety, performaccident investigations, and conduct supervisory and management safety audits in order to ensure that the number of lost time injuries is reduced from13 to 11 per year.


IVa6ANPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: IVa6BPark/ Program Goal ID Number:

The servicewide Continuation of Pay (COP) hours will be at or below 54,100 hours (a 27% reduction from the FY 1997-2001 average of 73,775 hours).


By September 30, 2008, the number of GRSM hours of Continuation of Pay is at or below the FY 1999-2003 5-year annualaverage of 791 hours.


2008

TargetYear:

COP hours


Each COP hour

Unit Measure:

Reduced


791



Condition):

Workplace safety will be constantly emphasized. Employees will receive safety training on numerous subjects impacting workplace safety and willparticipate in all types of events such as tailgate sessions, formal classroom training from NPS and training from other sources such as health careproviders. Supervisors will work with employees to return them to duty as soon as is safely possible after an injury occurs.


IVa6BNPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: IVa6cPark/ Program Goal ID Number:

The NPS number of employee fatalities


Longterm goal text not available. Enter the text on the Annual Work Plan Results tab for the final year of the Strategic Plan.


2008

TargetYear:

Fatalities


Each fatality

Unit Measure:

Reduced


Baseline:


Condition):

Date Last Updated:

IVa6CNPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: IVb1APark/ Program Goal ID Number:

NPS units have X community partnerships designed to enhance the parkÂ¿s ability to manage recreation activities seamlessly.


By September 30, 2008, GRSM will maintain or exceed the current number of 224 community partnerships designed toenhance the park's ability to manage recreation activities seamlessly.


2008

TargetYear:

Park Partnerships


Each partnership

Unit Measure:

Established


224



Condition):

GRSM will continue to reach out to colleges and universities and other community organizations to increase our partnerships for the purpose of improvingour knowledge about park resources, increasing educational opportunities. and enhancing our management of park resources and visitor safety andsatisfaction.


IVb1ANPS Goal ID Number:





DOI Goal ID Number: IVb2Park/ Program Goal ID Number:

156 million visitors served by facilitated programs


By September 30, 2008, attendance at Great Smoky Mountains National Park facilitated programs will increase to 2,999,242(2% over 2,940,000)


2008

TargetYear:

Facilitated programs


Each visitor

Unit Measure:

attended


2940000



Condition):

The Resource Education Division will continue to offer traditional programming as well as implement programs on GRSM current issues and concernsincluding walks, talks, historical demonstrations, education programs, special events and community outreach. By 2008 we anticipate that visitorsattending public programming will increase by .5% per year for the next five years.. To this end we will:

- Maintain core visitor center hours, - Conduct summer public education programs, - Conduct fall programming through October and later as staffing allows, - Conduct staff training in late spring or early summer (typically during PP 13), - Continue offering Community Outreach utilizing TOPS staff and volunteers, - Continue core Park-wide Special Events (Cosby in the Park, Wildflower Pilgrimage, Festival of Christmas Past, Women's Work, Mountain LifeDemonstrations, Harvest Hayrides, Wilderness Wildlife Week, and International Migratory Bird Day, - Introduce a Winter Lecture Series as an offering at Sugarlands Visitor Center, - Implement cultural resource demonstrations as appropriate at the Mountain Farm Museum and Cades Cove, - Continue to implement HWA awareness, - Continue to conduct Parks as Classrooms programs focusing on in-Park programming with some in-class programs presented to targeted schools andcommunities, - Continue offering EYS in Blount and Sevier Counties, - Continue informal ranger and volunteer led programming along major roadways, in parking areas, along interpretive trails and in campgrounds, - Continue to offer Junior Ranger programs.


IVb2NPS Goal ID Number:


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